TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] This invention relates to a connector having a terminal vibration preventing mechanism
which is applied to an automobile or the like, and more particularly to a connector
having a terminal vibration preventing mechanism which is used at a low current electrical
connection section of an automobile or the like.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] A conventional connector used at a low current electrical connection section is as
shown in FIGS. 18 through 23.
[0003] In FIG. 18, reference numeral 270 designates a male type connecting terminal which
is inserted into a connector which is used in a conventional low current electrical
connection section. The connecting terminal 270 is made of a metal plate as one unit,
and its one end portion is a tab-shaped contact section 171 while its other end portion
is wire punching section. The wire punching section is made up of a cover punching
section 272a adapted to punch the cover portion of a wire 290, and a conductor punching
section 272b adapted to punch the conductor of the wire.
[0004] The connecting terminal 270 includes a substantially box-shaped locking section 273
at the middle, a locking hole 274 formed in the lower surface of the locking section
273, and a guide piece 275 which is formed by cutting and raising a part of the lower
surface in such a manner that the guide piece 275 is protruded downwardly from a part
of the side surface. Furthermore, with respect to the locking section 273 and the
tab-shaped contact section 271, the upper surface thereof is lower on the tab-shaped
contact section side, and the right and left side surfaces are narrower on the tab-shaped
contact section side. And the locking sections 273 and the contact section 271 are
coupled through a coupling section 276 which is symmetrical.
[0005] FIG. 19 is a sectional side view of a housing 260 forming the connector. FIG. 20
is a view of the housing taken in the direction of the arrow A in FIG. 19. FIG. 21
is an enlarged view of essential parts of the housing (FIG. 19) taken in the direction
of the arrow A in FIG. 19. FIG. 22 is an enlarged sectional view showing another example
of the housing (FIG. 21). FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram for a description of the
vibration of the connecting terminal which occurs when the connecting terminal is
inserted into the connector.
[0006] As shown in FIGS. 19 through 23, the housing 260 is substantially cylindrical. The
housing 260 has a plurality of terminal accommodating chambers 261, and a hood section
262 which is extended from the terminal accommodating chambers. The latter 261 are
adapted to accommodate connecting terminals which is connected to wires. The hood
section 262 accommodates the mating connector. On the lower surface 263 of each of
the terminal accommodating chambers 261, a flexible locking piece 264 and an guide
groove 265 are provided. The flexible locking piece 264 is extended inwardly from
the inserting inlet of the connecting terminal 170. The guide groove 265 is formed
along the flexible locking piece. The guide piece 175 of the connecting terminal 270
is slid along the guide groove 265.
[0007] The free end portion of the flexible locking piece 264 of the terminal accommodating
chamber 261 has a locking protrusion 266, and a flexible space 267 is formed below
the latter 266. The hood section 26 has a upright inner wall 268 at the deep. The
inner wall 268 has a plurality of contact section engaging holes 269. Through the
latter 269, the tap-shaped contact sections of the contact terminals 270 (which are
accommodated in the terminal accommodating chambers 261) are protruded into the hood
section 262. FIG. 21 is an enlarged sectional view showing the configuration of the
contact section engaging hole 269 shown in FIG. 20; more specifically, the relationships
between the tab-shaped contact section 271 and the inner wall 268.
[0008] In the above-described connector, the housing 260 and the connecting terminal 270
are constructed as described above. Hence, when the connecting terminal 270 is inserted
into the terminal accommodating chamber 261 of the housing 260, the lower surface
of the locking section 273 of the connecting terminal bends the flexible locking piece
264 downwardly (in the direction of the arrow B) which is provided on the lower surface
of the terminal accommodating chamber 261, so that the connecting terminal is allowed
to move forwardly. When the locking hole 274 formed in the lower surface of the locking
section comes to the locking protrusion 266 which is formed at the free end portion
of the flexible locking piece, the locking protrusion is allowed to rise, thus engaging
with the locking hole 274. Hence, the connecting terminal 270 is supported in the
terminal accommodating chamber 261, and is prevented from coming off the latter 261.
[0009] However, as was described above, when the locking protrusion 266 of the flexible
locking piece 264 is engaged with the locking hole 274 of the connecting terminal
270, the connecting terminal 270 is prevented from coming off the terminal accommodating
chamber 261, and therefore it is vibrated in the direction of bending of the flexible
locking piece 264. Hence, as shown in FIG. 23, the tab-shaped contact section 271
of the connecting terminal 270 is swung in the contact section engaging hole 269 formed
in the inner wall 268, thus being inclined θ degrees with respect to the central line
C of the regular position; that is, so-called "terminal vibration" occurs.
[0010] This problem may be solved by employing the following method: The width of the contact
engaging hole 269 is made equal to the width of the tab-shaped contact section 271
as much as possible, or the latter is engaged with the former in a press-fit mode;
however, the latter method makes the insertion characteristic of the connector.
[0011] On the other hand, because of the recent tendency of miniaturization of connecting
terminals, the width of the locking protrusion 266 of the flexible locking piece 264
is substantially equal to the width of the tab-shaped contact section 271 of the connecting
terminal 270, or the width of the tab-shaped contact section 271 is decreased, and
the width of the contact section engaging hole 269 of the inner wall has the same
dimension. Therefore, if a flexible space for the flexible locking piece 264 is obtained,
then it is impossible to obtain a space for correcting the vibration of the terminal.
For instance, as shown in FIG. 22, by decreasing the width of the flexible locking
piece 264 the space for correcting the vibration of the terminal can be obtained;
however, the holding force of the flexible locking piece 264; that is, the connecting
terminal 270 may come off backwardly.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
[0012] Accordingly, an object of the invention is to correct the postures of the connecting
terminals in the housing, and to positively support the connecting terminals in the
housing, thereby to prevent the end portions of the connecting terminals from being
vibrated from their regular positions.
[0013] The foregoing object of the invention has been achieved by the provision of a connector
having a vibration preventing mechanism which comprises:
a connecting terminal which is inserted into the terminal accommodating chamber of
a resin housing, and comprises
an elongated tab-shaped contact section which is inserted into a hood section, a fixing
section adapted to fix the end portion of a wire, and a locking section having locking
hole in the lower surface of the substantial middle portion thereof which is engaged
with a flexible locking piece formed in the housing, and
a contact section engaging hole formed in the inner wall forming the deep section
of the hood section which is adapted to engaged with an mating connector, and in which
the tab-shaped contact section is inserted;
in which
near the junction of the tab-shaped contact section of the connecting terminal and
the locking section, a vibration preventing piece is formed which is extended towards
the tap-shaped contact section, and
in the side surface of the contact section engaging hole in the housing, a support
section is formed against which the vibration preventing piece is abutted.
[0014] In the connector with the terminal vibration preventing mechanism, near the joint
of the elongated tab-shaped contact section provided at one end of the connecting
terminal and the locking section provided substantially at the middle, the vibration
preventing piece is formed in such a manner that it is extended towards the tab-shaped
contact section on the side surface of the locking section, and the support section
against which the vibration preventing piece of the connecting terminal abuts is formed
in the contact section engaging hole formed in the inner wall of the housing.
[0015] Accordingly, the vibration preventing piece is wider than the tab-shaped contact
section provided on the side surface of the joint of the elongated tab-shaped contact
section provided at one end of the connecting terminal and the locking section provided
substantially at the middle. When the tap-shaped contact section thus constructed
is inserted in the terminal accommodating chamber of the housing, it is abutted against
the support section of the contact section engaging hole of the housing, so that the
connecting terminal is positively supported. Hence, the posture of the connecting
terminal is corrected, and the terminal vibration that the terminal is shifted from
the regular position is positively prevented, so that it is engaged suitably with
the mating connecting terminal.
[0016] Furthermore, when the vibration preventing piece larger in width than the tab-shaped
contact section is inserted into the terminal accommodating chamber of the housing,
the vibration preventing piece goes therein while the vibration preventing piece is
abutting against the side wall of the terminal accommodating chamber. Hence, the end
of the tab-shaped contact section is held at the regular position. Therefore, the
end of the tab-shaped contact section can be readily inserted into the contact section
engaging hole; that is, the work of inserting the connecting terminal into the terminal
accommodating chamber is achieved smoothly and quickly.
[0017] Furthermore, the above-described object of the invention is achieved by making the
width of the tab-shaped contact section equal to or smaller than the width of the
flexible locking piece.
[0018] In the above-described connector with the terminal vibration preventing mechanism,
the width of the tab-shaped contact section is made equal to or smaller than that
of the flexible locking piece. Both the connecting terminal and the housing can be
smoothly miniaturized.
[0019] Furthermore, the above-described object of the invention is achieved by the provision
of the connector in which the vibration preventing piece of the tab-shaped contact
section is supported by the support section in a press-fit mode.
[0020] In the above-described connector with the terminal vibration preventing mechanism,
the vibration preventing piece of the tab-shaped contact section is press-fitted in
the support section and positively supported. Hence, the posture of the connecting
terminal thus inserted is corrected, and the connecting terminal is positively prevented
from being vibrated, and the is suitably engaged with the mating connecting terminal.
[0021] Moreover, the above-described object of the invention is achieved by the provision
of a connector having a vibration preventing mechanism
which comprises
a tab-shaped contact section which is contactable with a mating connecting terminal
a locking section which, when accommodated in a connector housing, is engaged with
a terminal accommodating, and
a coupling section through which the locking section is coupled to the tab-shaped
contact section, and
in which
the tab-shaped contact section is made up of a lower metal plate, and an upper metal
plate which is formed by folding one side edge portion of the lower metal plate, and
a connecting terminal is inserted in which the joint of the lower metal plate and
the upper metal plate is faced sidewardly at the position along the opposite side
edge;
in which, according to the invention,
a vibration preventing piece which abuts against the connector housing to prevent
the vertical vibration of the end of the tab-shaped contact section is protruded near
the coupling section of the tab-shaped contact section.
[0022] In the above-described connector with the terminal vibration preventing mechanism,
the vibration preventing piece which abuts against the connector housing to prevent
the vertical vibration of the end of the tab-shaped contact section is protruded from
near the coupling section of the tab-shaped contact section.
[0023] Accordingly, with the vibration preventing piece of the connecting terminal which
is inserted into the housing abutted against the housing, the posture of the connecting
terminal thus inserted is corrected, and the connecting terminal is prevented from
being vibrated, and is suitably engaged with the mating connecting terminal.
[0024] In addition, the above-described object of the invention is achieved by the provision
of the connector having the vibration preventing mechanism,
in which, according to the invention,
the vibration preventing piece is protruded from the side edge of the tab-shaped contact
section where the joint of the upper metal plate and the lower metal plate is located.
[0025] In the above-described connector with the terminal vibration preventing mechanism,
the vibration preventing piece is protruded from side edge of the tab-shaped contact
section where the joint of the upper and lower metal plates is located.
[0026] Accordingly, the vibration preventing piece can be manufactured readily by blanking
and bending a metal piece, which contributes to a reduction of the manufacturing cost
of the connector.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0027]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a connecting terminal which is inserted in a connector
with a terminal vibration preventing mechanism according to the invention.
FIG. 2 is a plan view showing essential parts of the connecting terminal shown in
FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 is a vertical sectional view showing essential parts of a housing in the connector
of the invention.
FIG. 4 is a horizontal sectional view showing essential parts of the housing in the
connector of the invention.
FIG. 5 is a sectional view showing essential parts of the connecting terminal inserted
into the housing.
FIG. 6 is a sectional view showing essential parts of the connecting terminal which
is inserted into the housing.
FIG. 7 is another sectional view showing essential parts of the connecting terminal
which is inserted in the housing.
FIG. 8 is a plan view of a connecting terminal of another example of the connector
with the terminal vibration preventing mechanism, which constitutes a second embodiment
of the invention.
FIG. 9 is a side view of the connecting terminal shown in FIG. 8.
FIG. 10 is a front view of the connecting terminal shown in FIG. 8 as viewed from
the front end thereof.
FIG. 11 is a fragmentary side view of the connecting terminal as viewed in the direction
opposite to the direction in which FIG. 10 is viewed.
FIG. 12 is a fragmentary bottom view of the connecting terminal shown in FIG. 8.
FIG. 13 is a plan view of the connecting terminal shown in FIG. 8.
FIG. 14 is a front view of the connecting terminal shown in FIG. 13, as viewed from
the front end thereof.
FIG. 15 is a fragmentary side view of the connecting terminal shown in FIG. 13.
FIG. 16 is a fragmentary bottom view of the connecting terminal shown in FIG. 13.
FIG. 17 shows a connector housing in the embodiment of the invention. More specifically,
the part (A) of FIG. 17 is a front view showing essential parts of the inlet end face
of a mating connecting terminal of the connector housing, and the part (B) of FIG.
17 is a fragmentary sectional view taken along line E-E in the part (A).
FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a connecting terminal forming a conventional connector.
FIG. 19 is a sectional view of a housing forming the conventional connector.
FIG. 20 is a diagram of the housing as viewed in the direction of the arrow A in FIG.
19.
FIG. 21 is a fragmentary enlarged sectional view showing essential parts of the housing
shown in FIG. 20.
FIG. 22 is a fragmentary sectional view of a housing showing another arrangement of
the conventional connector.
FIG. 23 is an enlarged diagram showing a state of insertion of a terminal in the conventional
connector.
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0028] Preferred embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
1 through 17, parts corresponding functionally to those already described with reference
to the above-described prior art are therefore designated by the same reference numerals
or characters.
[0029] An example of a connector having a terminal vibration preventing mechanism, which
constitutes a first embodiment of the invention, will be described with reference
to FIGS. 1 through 7. In those drawings, reference character 1 designates the connector
1. The latter 1 comprises: a housing 10; and connecting terminals 30 accommodated
in the housing.
[0030] As shown in FIG. 1, the male-type connecting terminal 30 has an elongated tab-shaped
contact section 31 at one end, a fixing section, namely, a punching section 32 at
the other end which is used to fixedly hold a wire 40, and a box-shaped locking section
33 substantially at the middle. The punching section 32 comprises: a cover punching
section 32a adapted to punch the cover of a wire; and a conductor punching section
32b adapted to punch the conductor of the wire. The locking section 33 has a locking
hole 34 in the lower surface which is engaged with a flexible locking piece (described
later), and a guide piece 35 on the side surface which is formed by cutting and raising
a part of the lower surface so that it is slid along a guide groove in the housing.
The coupling portion (at one end) between the tab-shaped contact section 31 and the
locking section (substantially at the middle) is so shaped that the upper surface
of the tab-shaped contact section 31 is lower than that of the locking section 33.
[0031] As shown in FIG. 2, on one of the two sides the coupling section 36 is so shaped
that it is narrower towards the tab-shaped contact section, while on the other side
the vibration preventing piece 37 which is flush with the side surface of the locking
section 36 is so formed that it is extended towards the tab-shaped contact section.
[0032] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the housing 10 has: a terminal accommodating chamber 11
at the rear side which is substantially cylindrical and is adapted to accommodate
a connecting terminal 30; a hood section 12 which has an inflated section on the front
side and is adapated to accommodate a mating connector; and an upright inner wall
13 at the deep in the hood section. In front of the terminal accommodating chamber
11, an engaging chamber 14 for a connecting terminal 30 is provided. On the lower
surface 15 of the engaging room 14, a flexible locking piece 16 is formed in such
a manner that it is extended forwardly. And its free end portion is formed into a
locking protrusion 17. Below the locking protrusion 17, a bending space, namely, a
flexible space 18 is provided.
[0033] Furthermore, in the lower surface of the terminal accommodating chamber 11, a guide
groove (cf. FIG. 7) is extended along the flexible locking piece 16. A guide piece
35 of the connecting terminal 30 is slid along the guide groove. The inner wall 13
has a plurality of contact section engaging holes 20. Through the latter 20, the tab-shaped
contact sections 31 of the connecting terminals which are accommodated in the terminal
accommodating chambers are protruded into the hood section 12.
[0034] As shown in FIG. 5, the width of the tab-shaped contact section 31 is equal to or
smaller than the width of the flexible locking piece 16.
[0035] As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, in the contact section engaging hole 20 has a contact
recess 21 which serves as a support section into which the side surface of the vibration
preventing piece 37 of the connecting terminal 30 is press-fitted. FIG. 7 is a view
of the contact section engaging hole 20 (FIG. 3) taken in direction of the arrow D
in FIG. 3; the vibration preventing piece 37 of the tab-shaped contact section 31
is press-fitted in the contact recess 21.
[0036] As was described above, the connector 1 with the terminal vibration preventing mechanism
of the invention is designed as follows: That is, as was described above, on one side
surface of the coupling section of the tab-shaped contact section 31 provided at one
end of the connecting terminal 30, and the locking section 33 provided substantially
at the middle, the vibration preventing piece 37 which is extended on the side surface
of the locking section 33 and on the side of the tab-shaped contact section 31.
[0037] On the other hand, the contact section engaging hole 20 formed in the inner wall
13, which is formed between the terminal accommodating chamber 11 in the housing 10
and the hood section 12 in which a mating connector is inserted.
[0038] The width of the tab-shaped contact section 31 is equal to or smaller than that of
the flexible locking piece 16, and the side surface of the vibration preventing piece
is press-fitted into the contact recess 21.
[0039] Accordingly, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the vibration preventing piece 37 of the
connecting terminal, which is inserted into the terminal accommodating chamber 11
of the housing 10, is press-fitted in the wall surface of the contact recess 21 in
the contact section engaging hole 20 of the housing side. This feature positively
prevents, especially, the vertical vibration with respect to the regular position
of the connecting terminal in the housing. Furthermore, since the width of the tab-shaped
contact section 31 is equal to or smaller than that of the flexible locking piece
16, the miniaturization of both the connecting terminal 30 and the housing 10 can
be achieved with ease.
[0040] As was described above, the connecting terminal 30 has the vibration preventing piece
37. Therefore, when the connecting terminal is inserted into the terminal accommodating
chamber 11, the vibration preventing piece 37 is slid along the inner side wall of
the terminal accommodating chamber 11 (cf. FIG. 5), so that the tab-shaped contact
section 31 is guided to the regular position. Accordingly, the top portion, namely,
the tab-shaped contact section 31 can be straightly inserted; that is, the insertion
of the connecting terminal can be achieved smoothly.
[0041] Another example of the connector with the terminal vibration preventing mechanism,
which constitutes a second embodiment of the invention, will be described with reference
to FIGS. 8 through 12.
[0042] As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the connecting terminal 101 of the connector with the
terminal vibration preventing mechanism, the second embodiment comprises: a punching
section 140 including a cover punching section 142 adapted to punch the end portion
of the cover of a wire, and a conductor punching section 141 adapted to punch the
conductor of the wire; a tap-shaped contact section 110 brought into contact with
a mating connecting terminal; a locking section 130 which is provided between the
punching section 140 and the tap-shaped contact section 110 and which, when it is
accommodated in the connector housing (cf. FIG. 17, is engaged with the flexible locking
piece provided in the terminal accommodating chamber; and a coupling section 120 through
which the locking section 130 is coupled to the tap-shaped contact section 110. The
connecting terminal is formed by blanking a metal sheet and bending it. In FIGS. 8
and 9, reference numeral 150 designates a belt-shaped carrier strip, which is cut
when the connecting terminal is assembled.
[0043] The tab-shaped contact section 110, as shown in FIGS. 10 through 12, comprises a
lower metal plate 114, and an upper metal plate 113 which is formed by folding one
side edge portion 111 of the lower metal plate 114, in such a manner that the surface
115 formed by putting together the lower metal plate 114 and the upper metal plate
113 is faced sidewardly at a position along the opposite side edge portion 112. There
is no gap between the lower metal plate 114 and the upper metal plate 113. Hence,
the tab-shaped contact section is high in mechanical strength or rigidity.
[0044] The end portion 117 of the tab-shaped contact section 110 is tapered so as to guide
the mating connecting terminal.
[0045] From the base portion near the coupling section 120 of the tab-shaped contact section
110, a vibration preventing piece 116 is protruded. The vibration preventing piece
116 abuts against the upper surface 176 and the lower surface 1743 of the contact
section engaging hole 173 formed in the terminal accommodating chamber 171 of the
connector housing 170b (cf. FIG. 17), thereby to prevent the vertical vibration of
the end portion 117. This vibration preventing piece 116 is protruded from the opposite
side edge 112 of the tab-shaped contact section 110 where the surface 115 is located
which is formed by folding the upper metal plate 113 and the lower metal plate 114
(hereinafter referred to as "a folded surface 115", when applicable). And the vibration
preventing piece 116 is made up of a lower prevention piece 116b protruded from the
lower metal plate 114, and an upper prevention piece 116a which is protruded from
the upper metal plate 113 and folded over the lower prevention piece 116b.
[0046] The upper surface of the upper prevention piece 116a and the lower surface of the
lower prevention piece 116b are on the upper surface of the upper metal plate 113
and the lower surface of the lower metal plate 114, respectively. As is apparent from
the above description, the vibration preventing piece 116 is not protruded from one
side edge 111 where the lower metal plate 114 is folded, but protruded from the other
side edge 112 where the joint 115 is located. Therefore, the vibration preventing
piece 116 can be formed readily by blanking and bending a metal plate.
[0047] The aforementioned locking section 130 is substantially in the form of a box having
a bottom wall 131, a pair of side walls 132 and 133 extended upwardly from both sides
of the bottom wall 131, and an upper wall 134 bent inwardly from the side wall 133.
The bottom wall of the locking section 130 has a locking hole 136 with which a flexible
locking piece of the connector housing is engaged. The side wall 133 has a guide piece
137 which is extended downwardly from the bottom wall 131.
[0048] The aforementioned coupling section 120 comprises a bottom plate 121, a side plate
122, a side plate 123, and an upper plate 124. The bottom plate 121 is reduced from
the locking section 130 towards the tab-shaped contact section 110, and extended from
the bottom wall 131 of the locking section 130 towards the lower metal plate 114 of
the tab-shaped contact section 110. The side plate 122 is extended from the side wall
132 of the locking section 130 towards the other side edge 112 of the lower metal
plate 114 of the tab-shaped contact section 110. The side plate 123 is extended from
the other side wall 133 towards one side edge 111 of the tab-shaped contact section
110. The upper plate 124 is bent inwardly from the other side wall 133 of the locking
section 130 and extended towards the upper metal plate 113 of the tab-shaped contact
section 110.
[0049] The rear end edge 126 of the upper plate 124 is cut obliquely from one side edge
111 of the tab-shaped contact section 110 toward the opposite side edge 112. Therefore,
the connecting terminal 101 can be subjected to drawing, and the coupling section
120 can be formed by drawing. Hence, the tab-shaped contact section 110 is positively
supported by the locking section 130 with the aid of the coupling section 120, thus
being greatly resistive against bending action.
[0050] A reinforcing bead 125 is formed near the coupling section 120 of the lower metal
plate 114 of the tab-shaped contact section 110. A gap is formed between the upper
wall 134 of the locking section 130 and the upper plate 124 of the coupling section
120; however, since, at the front end of the upper plate 134, a tongue piece 135 whose
configuration is complementary with that of the rear end edge 126 of the upper plate
124 is protruded towards the rear end edge 126, the gap between the coupling section
120 and the locking section 130 is closed.
[0051] One modification of the connecting terminal, the embodiment of the invention, will
be described with reference to FIGS. 13 through 16.
[0052] As is seen in FIG. 13, a connecting terminal 160 is fundamentally equal in arrangement
to the above-described 101, the first embodiment of the invention. The modification
is different from the first embodiment only in the arrangement of the vibration preventing
piece 118. Hence, only the arrangement of the latter 118 will be described.
[0053] The vibration preventing piece 118, similarly as in the case of the above-described
vibration preventing piece 116, is the base section near the coupling section of the
tab-shaped contact section 110, and it is protruded from the opposite side edge 112
of the tab-shaped contact section 110 where the joint 115 of the upper metal plate
113 and the lower metal plate 114 is located. However, it should be noted that the
vibration preventing piece is different from the vibration preventing piece 116 of
the connecting terminal 101 in that it is protruded only from the upper metal plate
113, and is bent until the end surface is flush with the lower surface of the lower
metal plate 114.
[0054] The vibration preventing piece 118 is formed by using the upper metal plate 113 by
bending. Hence, unlike the case of the vibration preventing piece the above-described
connecting terminal 101, the vertical height of the end surface of the vibration preventing
piece 118 can be adjusted.
[0055] FIG. 17 shows the connector housing of the above-described embodiment of the invention.
More specifically, the part (A) of FIG. 17 is a front view showing essential parts
of the inlet side end face of the mating connecting terminal of the connector housing,
and the part (B) of FIG. 17 is a vertical sectional view, with parts cut away, taken
along line E-E in the part (A).
[0056] As shown in FIG. 17, the connector housing 170 has a terminal accommodating chamber
171 adapted to accommodate a connecting terminal 101 or 160 in such a manner that
the chamber 171 is extended backwardly (to the right in the part (B) of FIG. 17) from
the inlet side end face of the mating connecting terminal. The bottom of the terminal
accommodating chamber 171 has a flexible locking piece 172 adapted to engaged with
the locking hole 136 of the connecting terminal 101 or 160. The flexible locking piece
172 is protruded forwardly. The upper part of the inlet side end face of the mating
connecting terminal of the terminal accommodating chamber 171 has a contact section
engaging hole 173 which is shifted to the left (to the left in the part (A) of FIG.
17) more than the inlet-side side wall 175 of the mating terminal of the terminal
accommodating chamber 171.
[0057] The vertical width of the contact section engaging hole 173 is substantially equal
to the vertical width of the vibration preventing piece 116 or 118 of the connecting
terminal 101 or 160. In the case where the terminal 101 or 160 is accommodated in
the terminal accommodating chamber 171, and the locking section 130 of the connecting
terminal 101 or 160 is engaged with the flexible locking piece 172, the vibration
preventing piece 116 or 118 of the connecting terminal 101 or 160 is positioned in
the contact section engaging hole 173, and the upper surface of the contact section
engaging hole 173 is brought into contact with the upper surface of the vibration
preventing piece 116 or 118 while the lower surface 174 thereof is brought into contact
with the lower surface of the vibration preventing piece 116 or the front end face
of the vibration preventing piece 118, whereby the vertical vibration of the end 117
of the tab-shaped contact section 110 of the connecting terminal 101 or 160 is prevented.
Hence, when the connecting terminal 101 or 106 is accommodated in the connector housing
170, the position of the end of the tab-shaped contact section 110 is not swung vertically,
and suitably engaged therewith when the tab-shaped contact section 110 is engaged
with the mating connecting terminal. Particularly, in order to protrude the flexible
locking piece 172 inside the terminal accommodating chamber 171 of the connector housing
170 by molding, a space is necessary which is located lower than the portion in which
the connecting terminal 101 or 106 is inserted, and if the vibration preventing piece
116 or 118 is not present, the connecting terminal 101 or 160 is liable to vibrate
downwardly. Accordingly, the invention is effective particularly in the fact that
the lower surface of the vibration preventing piece 116 or the front end face of the
vibration preventing piece 118 abuts against the lower surface of the contact section
engaging hole 173, thereby to prevent the downward vibration of the tab-shaped contact
section 110.